In November 2007, Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton were engaged in a public relations battle over who would take the toughest line against President Bush on Iran. Hillary sent a stern letter signed by 30 Democrats while Obama introduced a S.J. Res. 23.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That nothing in the Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq…shall be construed to authorize, encourage, or in any way address the use of the Armed Forces of the United States against Iran.